Footprints in the Snow

Footprints in the Snow

 

                The sun had just risen and the dog was begging to go out for his morning “walk” but to my surprise the grass was not to be seen.  Instead it was once again lying underneath eight inches of snow.  Since the dog won’t walk too far in deep snow I decided to blaze a trail in front of him so that he would venture out away from the house.  By the time I made it to the corner of the house my feet were wet and cold.  Let’s just say that Crocs don’t make the best snow shoes in the world and I hadn’t had my cup of coffee yet so my common sense was still in bed.

            As I prepared to turn around and head back to the front door our dog spotted some tracks and took off to find the culprit that had invaded his territory.  Suddenly with a burst of energy he bound off chasing a cat into the woods.  I found it interesting how he suddenly didn’t mind the deep snow any longer.  The cat being the wiser of the two pounced through some briars and my dog being the denser of the two followed with gusto.  After a few minutes of detanglement and a bloody nose the dog limped back to the house with his tail tucked between his legs.  The cat mocked his retreat by peering down at him from a snow covered fallen limb.

                The next day I decided to take a short walk around the house to “pre-spot” the tracks in the yard so as to not have a repeat of yesterday’s blunderous morning. As I journeyed out near the woods I found several different tracks in the snow.  There were cat tracks once again around our house and I figured out that day that the warmth of the chimney attracted our feline nemesis.  As I meandered deeper into the yard I discovered deer tracks coming out of the woods up one of our trails.  As I continued near our corner bush there on the ground were some bird prints of all shapes and sizes.

                I wouldn’t have known who was visiting our property every evening if the fresh snow wasn’t there to reveal their daily routes.  The combination of snow and light helped to reveal the life that was sitting right there in my own yard.  The snow captured the animal’s habits and the light revealed it.

                There is a verse in a stanza from David’s writings that we all know.  “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Ps. 51:7, ESV)  We have been washed clean in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 4:17) and the Light of the Gospel (2 Cor 4:4) revealed our continuous need for a Savior. 

                 Now the question becomes where do our tracks end up?  If someone were to follow our tracks today would they have heard of the wonders of salvation and freedom?  I know that this is a rather abrupt transition but please come with me.  Take a moment and read the rest of Ps 51.  What was David’s response in verses 13-15?

                David says, “I will teach others of their need for salvation and open my mouth to declare your praise.”  (SBP, Steve Broughton Paraphrase)  Our tracks should actually have butt and knee imprints as well.  Times where we sit and share God’s love with others through the Gospel and also kneeling imprints as we give Him the glory due His name for His great salvation and hope.  If we were to sidetrack to Isaiah 58 we would find that our tracks should lead to those who are oppressed.  Take some time today and see where Jesus’ footsteps took Him.  Skim through the Gospels and then ask God to send you on mission.

                I can’t wait to hear about how God was honored and glorified because of your decision to blaze a new trail for Him.  It may get deep but God wants to reveal His love through you.  Ultimately our journey isn’t even about us it is all about HIM!!! 

 

                                                                                                     Journeying with Jesus,

                                                                                                     Steve Broughton

 

Posted in Restoring Hope Ministries.

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